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Children Program Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT

IL · On-site +1

$18.70 - $22.31/hr

May be required to transport children in government vehicles. CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT (TARGET LEVEL): Coordinates and conducts activities for children and/or youth ranging in age from 6 ...

CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT

IL · On-site +1

$18.70 - $22.31/hr

May be required to transport children in government vehicles. CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT (TARGET LEVEL): Coordinates and conducts activities for children and/or youth ranging in age from 6 ...

Showing results 21-40

Children Program Assistant information

What is a children program assistant?

Children Program Assistants are professionals who support the planning and implementation of activities and programs for children in settings such as schools, community centers, or childcare facilities. They help lead educational, recreational, and social activities, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for children. Their duties often include assisting with lesson plans, supervising children, preparing materials, and maintaining program records. Children Program Assistants work closely with program coordinators and teachers to support children's learning and development. This role requires good communication skills, patience, and a genuine interest in working with children.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a children program assistant?

To thrive as a Children Program Assistant, you need a background in child development, educational support, and experience working with children, often supplemented by a relevant certification or coursework. Familiarity with activity planning software, basic first aid certification, and educational tools are commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and creativity help build positive relationships and engage children effectively. These skills are vital for delivering safe, enriching, and enjoyable programs that support children's growth and learning.

What are some common challenges faced by a children program assistant and how can they be managed?

Children Program Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing group dynamics, addressing diverse learning needs, and maintaining engagement among children with varying attention spans. Effectively handling these challenges involves strong communication skills, patience, and creativity in adapting activities. Collaborating closely with lead teachers and other staff members for guidance and support can also help ensure a positive and productive environment for both the children and the team.

What is the difference between Children Program Assistant vs Child Care Worker?

AspectChildren Program AssistantChild Care Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require CPR certificationHigh school diploma; CPR certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, non-profit organizationsDaycare centers, preschools, private homes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in educational and community programsCommon in early childhood care settings
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles in youth programsCompared for direct child supervision roles

Children Program Assistants typically work in community or educational settings, supporting program activities and youth engagement. Child Care Workers focus on direct supervision and care of children in daycare or preschool environments. While both roles require similar credentials and involve working with children, their work environments and responsibilities differ slightly, making the comparison useful for those exploring careers in childhood education and care.

What's a typical day like for a children program assistant?

A children program assistant's day typically involves supervising and engaging children in activities, ensuring safety, and assisting with program setup and cleanup. They may also coordinate with staff and communicate with parents, often working in community centers, schools, or recreational facilities. Strong communication skills and patience are important, and the schedule usually follows program hours, which can include evenings and weekends.

What are the most commonly searched types of Children Program jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Children Program jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Children Program Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Children Program Assistant job openings:

Youth Program Assistant - CT Vivian

Peoria, IL • On-site

Greater Peoria Family YMCA
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees

$16 - $23.40/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Overview
The role of the Youth Program Assistant is to to provide leadership at the program sites, as well as ensure an environment that enhances and promotes interpersonal relationships, confidence, self- esteem, values, mutual respect and understanding of various ethnic cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. Character development is the chief mission of the Greater Peoria YMCA and the Youth Program Assistant should exhibit a commitment to this goal in all YMCA operations.
This position is available at multiple school sites including: Norwood Primary, Dr. C.T. Vivian Primary, Hines Primary, Elmwood Elementary, Concordia Lutheran School.
Responsibilities
  • It is the responsibility of the Youth Program Assistant to perform all the duties always remembering that he/she is a representative of the Greater Peoria Family YMCA and its values.
  • Assist in creating a sufficient variety of experiences that will allow participants to exercise their own creativity and imagination.
  • Assist in creating activities that are fun as well as therapeutic, educational, and which upgrade participants skill and ability levels.
  • Assist in carrying out lesson plans their entirety.
  • Must keep a friendly attitude toward children and fellow staff.
  • Maintain control of group at all times.
  • To know and enforce all program rules and regulations, and to share these with your group on a daily basis.
  • Must leave facilities cleaner than they were when you arrived.
  • Teach and show respect for all equipment and return it to its proper location.
  • Carry out assignments deemed necessary for the overall quality of the Before and After School and School's Out Programs.
  • Assist in the implementation of all program activities.
  • To report any serious problems that develops with a child.
  • To report in written form all accidents, injuries and discipline procedures.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
  • Work School's Out days as assigned.
  • Attend staff meetings as scheduled.
  • Obtain and maintain current CPR for child and infant and First Aid Certificate.
  • All other duties as assigned to make programs run smoothly or to assist the YMCA in other programs/projects.

Qualifications
  • The person holding this position must have a high school diploma or be in the process of acquiring one.
  • Must bring to this position the ability to relate to all child participants, parents, and school age staff.
  • Must possess strong language skills both written and oral. Must be adept at public speaking. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from staff, administration, children, parents, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to write reports and records that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to staff, members, parents, administration, public groups, and Board of Directors.
  • Ability to interpret and convey daily billing procedures to staff and parents. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions and solve problems. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to reason with others, handle their hostility and develop solutions to problems.
  • Current CPR and First Aid within 90 days.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
  • Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
  • Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
  • Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
  • Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
  • Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
  • Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
  • Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.

Benefits
  • Free Membership
  • Discounted Programming
  • Free CPR/AED/First Aid Training
  • 8% Retirement for Vested Employees
  • Paid Leave For All
  • Opportunities for Training and Advancement
  • Work That Makes a Lasting Difference

Posted Salary Range
USD $16.00 - USD $23.40 /Hr.